Southern California -- this just in

Man claims he was trying to shoot family dog, killed wife instead

March 1, 2011 | 6:36
am

A San Bernardino County man who claims he fatally shot his wife while aiming for the family dog was being held Monday in a local jail, authorities said.

Twin Peaks resident Brant Bater was initially booked on suspicion of manslaughter, but the charges were amended after homicide detectives uncovered additional evidence, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Bater told investigators that he was trying to shoot his dog but hit his wife, who was shot once in the head, the department said. His wife, Faith Bater, was pronounced dead at the scene Friday afternoon.